For those who have been looking for something a little different, you'll find what you're looking for and more in the new demo released for Pathologic.

The surreal adventure with elements of survival horror, simuation, and RPGs takes place in a town infected by a deadly plague. In the demo, you'll assume the role of the "Haruspicus" (a kind of half surgeon/half sorcerer), one of the game's three playable characters. Arriving in town to a rather unpleasant welcome, the Haruspicus soon finds himself confronted not only by the disease itself, but by a frightened and hostile community who doesn't recognize the true enemy. The demo begins after being cleared of most of the town's suspicions, but you'll need to watch your character's reputation level, along with his various physical conditions.

Dial-up users need not apply, as the demo weighs in at almost 700 MB at sites like 3D Gamers and GamersHell.

For more information about this unique game, be sure to check out our recent hands-on preview. At present, the only English release is in the UK, being distributed by GMX Media. However, Russian publisher Buka Entertainment is still looking for an international partner to infect North American shores with Pathologic at some point in future.